Category: Christoph Schiebold

Reading about the outstanding projects of the other candidates, I need to admit, that I do not have such a big project – yet (except my little bookshop). I am “JUST” a teacher. Sitting in a wheelchair and still being a happy and positive person has an immense impact on students without even needing to talk about it. I represent a cause – just being me.

Teachers don’t have to ‘be perfect’ and do big projects in order to be an important and positive role model to their students. But it is the way they show their students how to handle difficulties, destiny and fate, which is why role models similar to me, have a positive and horizon widening impact within the microcosm of a school.

In a world where perfectionism seems the major key to success, with countless ‘Instagram’ and ‘Social Media’ stars, imperfection seems redundant, but this does not reflect the majority in our society.

When there is a first combination … you will find a second combination.

I been thinking that these combinations are ideal ways to introduce a child in primary to various terminologies, words, language. One can apply terminologies found in algebra, explain the concept of variables with the pictures you see on the board. In that case the word sum could be brought to the child’s attention, that this word is linked to an addition, introducing the word quotient and product. For visual children this can be a good tool to give them these words. By experience a 10, 11 and 12 year old can by times struggle with word problems hence to a non-understanding of the terminologies they have in front of them.

These important words are often neglected because of the drive of having the right result or answer.

Of course there are millions of ways to give ‘the words’ to a student, yet within the Montessori material is so much that can be used for things, topics, facts and ideas but one doesn’t dare to do.

Another example…

I can explain (within the chapter of equations) what it means to maintain balance. It is visual, clear and attractive. ‘whatever is done on one side of the equal sign must also be done on the other side’;This board could be my introduction. Later one also can use a scale to let the children explore.

I will continue my investigation of the vabulous variety within the Montessori material, wher and how to apply the given in different topics of mathematics.

The question that I have had during the last weeks was how to actually define and explain identity? We all agree, that from a biological point of view, it’ s easy to define, explain or distinguish identity, your identity and the identity of another.

Yet, what intrigued me was to find a way to go further in finding the essence of identity.

First of all, I started to look for a simple way to express “identity” and ended up with the simplest way of communication… pictograms.

Would one be able to express oneself’ identity with the help of pictograms?

So first I need to find a way to understand, decide, decide, agree … where identity comes from and how it comes about.

I had the following thought…

Identity is linked to three basic and three additional factors.

EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

FAMILY

Which create

VALUES

PHYSIQUE

ORIENTATION

I created n image to make it clear.

Based upon this guideline one can understand and classify ones own identity

Now coming back to my idea of pictograms.

If I follow these guidelines, I can in the simplest way show my identity.

On a historical note, Pictograms are the first way of communication in a “written” form to one and another.

To create an image with these guides, you eventually need to invent pictograms yourself, pictograms that meet or express your need. The list of the existing ones is long; there are many that could be used.

What I liked about this topic is that you have the opportunity to go back in time. To see where written communication had it’s beginning.

You probably think, where that has something to do with identity… Well, let’s say, it underlined and helped to be able to share, tell, explain and pass on ones own experiences that are linked to one’s own identity.

All in all, the topic identity linked with the story of writing is a unique opportunity to go back in time and investigate the creation of communication, writing and how it all came to be.

The story of the coming of life, the story of the hand, the story of numbers and writing are ideal stories to re-look upon again with children to lay a foundation to tackle the concept of identity. Additional you can talk about the fundamental needs of humans which will also open different paths towards a wider understanding of human evolution and development; reasons why and decisions that one has made, is doing or will do.

This is ideal for 6th grade elementary children, 1st and 2nd grade secondary.

Understanding and placing oneself in the global picture, is key and a nice eye-opener, helping children to ask the right questions about life, from the past to the present.

All Dogs Hate Dolphins

All Dudes Have Dhat !

The intellect, the strenghth of one, the one that misjudged the gift given, given to maintain the balance, harmony and need, lead to selfish outbursts of uncontrolled overrated actions towards the one and the ones;

The one, seeking the power, trying to reach the top, using the ability to classify and select, paying with blood and tears, exploiting the ones, became greedy….

Now the ones, seeking to keep the balance, following the laws of nature, that all acts according to its natural set up, needs to evade, give in and accept.

Decisions were made to keep the balance, decisions were made to maintain the harmony, decisions were made to renew continiously, decisions were made to cater the need, … ,

What happened…???

So, Being in charge of taking care, so to say, making sure that everything is and shall be in an orderly and proper shape, does bring along various challenges…often it leads to non-thought-through decisions, fast executed actions and uncontrolled verbal outlets…not to speak of gestures, if well intended or rude…Hypocrisy is often the outcome…for self-protection or selfishness…Being in balance with what is important, being loved and being loving…truthful and honest, respecting the world around oneself does fulfill true happiness… leading to the right decisions, to take care of what was offered to look after…
LIFE